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flying out of fco

So what's it like at FCO these days? I'm flying out at noon this Wednesday from terminal 3. Friends a few weeks ago emailed that they had problems and had to check in at a different terminal and then bus to 3. Any body have current insights. I really don't want to leave Italy but my plane ticket says it's time!

Posted by
11247 posts

We flew out of there (T3) a month after the fire and all was well then, in early June. T5 was normal last Monday, FWIW.

There was another issue, a brush fire, a few days ago, that caused many flights to be cancelled, but that was different from the problems caused by the fire in May.

Posted by
23178 posts

What does your plane ticket say? What is your flight pattern? Direct to US or connecting in Europe to US?

IF you are flying directly to the US (no stops in Europe) then you go to Terminal 5. Terminal 5 is a processing terminal and NOT a flight departure terminal. You go through check in and security and then are bussed (behind security) to Terminal 3 for departure on your direct flight to the US. IF you are first connecting somewhere in Europe for your direct flight back to the US, then you go to Terminal 3 for checkin and security clearance.

PS You have to bus to Terminal 5 from in front of Terminal 3. Follow the signs it is well marked. You cannot walk. My understanding is that a taxi can drop you at Terminal 5 but if you come via train or bus, then you have to take the shuttle bus to Terminal 5.

Posted by
4406 posts

Here's some great info on the whole Departing Through Terminal 5 procedure. Read through all of it carefully, pay attention to the included photos, and you'll be prepared for this unusual Tour of FCO. This way you won't have those problems. This is Standard Operating Procedure for El Al and American-flagged flights departing FCO.

On your flight home, start making plans for your return... ;-)

Posted by
15043 posts

Actually you go to T5 only if you fly on a flight operated by a U.S. Carrier (unless things have changed since the fire).

Posted by
1045 posts

I think I'm set! SAS has me through Copenhagen. So everything is terminal 3. They'll still have to drag me onto the plane kicking and screaming. I'm here 7 weeks every year and keep telling myself to buy a one way ticket. And yes I start planning next year on the plane back to the US. This is year 12. SAS seems to be OK. They handled very well a missed connection on the way over. I just find it very difficult to reach anybody by phone or email. I was the front person for a group of 50 musicians - we're checking airlines for best fares, service, schedule etc. Any suggestions? We fly from either Newark or Philadelphia every June/July.

Posted by
1059 posts

If I am flying Alitalia directly to the United States will I go to Terminal 3 or 5? Based on what I have read, it would seem like I would go out of Terminal 3 since Alitalia is not a U.S. flagged carrier, but I am not sure.